Keyboard assemblies having reduced thicknesses and method of forming keyboard assemblies

ABSTRACT

Keyboard assemblies having reduced thicknesses and methods of forming the same. A keyboard assembly may include a printed circuit board (PCB) and a single membrane sheet adhered directly to the PCB. The single membrane sheet may substantially cover the PCB. The keyboard assembly may also include a group of dome switches coupled directly to the single membrane sheet. Another keyboard assembly may include a group of conductive pads and a group of membrane pads. Each of the group of membrane pads may be adhered directly to a corresponding one of the group of conductive pads. The keyboard assembly may also include a group of dome switches coupled directly to the membrane pads. Each of the group of dome switches may be coupled directly to a corresponding one of the group of membrane pads.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/154,682, filed May 13, 2016 and titled “Keyboard Assemblies Having Reduced Thicknesses and Method of Forming Keyboard Assemblies,” which is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/161,020, filed May 13, 2015 and titled “Keyboard Assemblies Having Reduced Thicknesses and Method of Forming Keyboard Assemblies,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to input devices for electronic devices, and more particularly to keyboard assemblies having reduced thicknesses.

BACKGROUND

It is becoming more and more desirable within the industry to reduce the size and/or thickness of various electronic devices. As such, all components of an electronic device, including any keyboard assembly, may be reduced in size. As a result, the size and/or number of components of the keyboard likewise may be reduced. With a reduction in size, quantity and/or material used to form the various components, the strength, and ultimately the operational life of the component may be reduced. This may cause the operational life of the keyboard assembly and/or electronic device to be reduced as well.

SUMMARY

Generally, embodiments discussed herein are related to keyboard assemblies having reduced thicknesses. In a keyboard assembly, a dome switch may be disposed, coupled and/or affixed directly to a membrane layer of the keyboard assembly stack-up. Additionally, the membrane layer may be adhered directly to a printed circuit board (PCB) of the keyboard assembly stack-up. When compressed, the dome switch, membrane layer and PCB may all be in electrical connection and/or may cooperate to transmit or generate an electrical signal (e.g., input) for the keyboard assembly and/or electronic device utilizing the keyboard assembly.

The membrane layer may be a single component that substantially covers and/or is disposed over the PCB layer, and the various dome switches of the keyboard assembly may be disposed, coupled and/or affixed directly to distinct portions of the single membrane layer. Alternatively, each individual dome switch for each individual key assembly of the keyboard may be disposed, coupled and/or affixed directly to a corresponding membrane pad. The membrane pads may be adhered to a PCB layer or a corresponding conductive pad of the keyboard assembly stack-up.

By adhering a dome switch directly to the membrane layer and/or the membrane pad, and also adhering the membrane layer/pad(s) to the PCB, the overall size and/or thickness of the stack-up for the keyboard assembly may be reduced. Additionally, by coupling the dome switch directly to the membrane layer/pad, the dome switch may be more easily implemented, secured and/or installed in the stack-up of the keyboard assembly, which may reduce assembly time for the keyboard assembly.

One embodiment may take the form of an electronic device. The electronic device may comprise a casing, and a keyboard assembly housed at least partially within the casing. The keyboard assembly may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned within the casing, a membrane layer affixed directly to the PCB, and a dome switch coupled directly to the membrane layer.

Another embodiment may take the form of a keyboard assembly comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), and a single membrane sheet adhered directly to and substantially covering the PCB. The keyboard assembly may also comprise a group of dome switches coupled directly to the single membrane sheet.

An additional embodiment may take the form of a keyboard assembly comprising a group of printed circuit board (PCB) pads, and a group of membrane pads. Each of the group of membrane pads may be adhered directly to a corresponding one of the group of conductive pad. The keyboard assembly may also comprise a group of dome switches. Each of the group of dome switches may be coupled directly to a corresponding one of the group of membrane pads.

A further embodiment may take the form of a method for assembling a keyboard. The method may comprise coupling a dome switch directly to a membrane layer, adhering the membrane layer directly to a printed circuit board (PCB), and positioning a switch housing over the PCB to substantially surround the dome switch. The method may also comprise coupling a keycap to a hinge mechanism positioned adjacent the switch housing. The keycap may be positioned above the dome switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative view of an electronic device including a keyboard assembly.

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative exploded view of a key assembly of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative cross-section view of the key assembly of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative exploded view of a key assembly of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A depicts an illustrative top view of the dome switch and the membrane pad of the key assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5B depicts an illustrative bottom view of the dome switch and the membrane pad of the key assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative cross-section view of the key assembly of FIG. 4 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative enlarged cross-section view of a portion of the key assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative top view of the membrane pad contacting the conductive pad of the key assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative enlarged cross-section view of a portion of the key assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 depicts a flow chart of an example process for assembling a keyboard for an electronic device.

It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

The following disclosure relates generally to input devices for electronic devices, and more particularly to keyboard assemblies having reduced thicknesses.

In a keyboard assembly, a dome switch may be disposed, coupled and/or affixed directly to a membrane layer of the keyboard assembly stack-up. Additionally, the membrane layer may be adhered directly to a printed circuit board (PCB) of the keyboard assembly stack-up. When compressed, the dome switch, membrane layer and PCB may all be in electrical connection and/or may cooperate to transmit or generate an electrical signal (e.g., input) for the keyboard assembly and/or electronic device utilizing the keyboard assembly.

The membrane layer may be a single component that substantially covers and/or is disposed over the PCB layer, and the various dome switches of the keyboard assembly may be disposed, coupled and/or affixed directly to distinct portions of the single membrane layer. Alternately, each individual dome switch for each individual key assembly of the keyboard may be disposed, coupled and/or affixed directly to a corresponding membrane pad. The membrane pads may be adhered to a PCB layer or a corresponding conductive pad of the keyboard assembly stack-up.

By affixing a dome switch directly to the membrane layer and/or the membrane pad, and affixing the membrane layer/pad(s) to the PCB, the overall size and/or thickness of the stack-up for the keyboard assembly may be reduced. Additionally, by coupling the dome switch directly to the membrane layer/pad, the dome switch may be more easily implemented, secured and/or installed in the stack-up of the keyboard assembly, which may reduce assembly time for the keyboard assembly.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1-10. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative view of an electronic device 100 including a keyboard assembly 200 having a reduced stack-up, and particularly having one or more dome switches directly connected to one or more membrane layers or pads that, in turn, may be connected directly to a printed circuit board. In a non-limiting example, as shown in FIG. 1, electronic device 100 may be a laptop computer. However, it is understood that electronic device 100 may be configured as any suitable electronic device that may utilize keyboard assembly 200. Other embodiments can implement electronic device 100 differently, such as, for example, a desktop computer, a tablet computing device, a smartphone, a gaming device, a display, a digital music player, a wearable computing device or display, a health monitoring device, and so on.

Although discussed herein as a keyboard assembly, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments may be used in a variety of input devices used in various electronic devices. That is, keyboard assembly 200, and the components of the assembly discussed herein, may be utilized or implemented in a variety of input devices for an electronic device including, but not limited to, buttons, switches, toggles, wheels, and the like.

Electronic device 100 may include a top case 102. Top case 102 may take the form of an exterior, protective casing or shell for electronic device 100 and the various internal components (for example, keyboard assembly 200) of electronic device 100. Top case 102 may be formed as a single, integral component or may have a group of distinct components coupled to one another, as discussed herein. Additionally, top case 102 may be formed from any suitable material that provides a protective casing or shell for electronic device 100 and the various components included in electronic device 100. In non-limiting examples, top case 102 may be made from a metal, a ceramic, a rigid plastic or another polymer, a fiber-matrix composite, and so on.

Keyboard assembly 200 may be included within electronic device 100. In a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 1, keyboard assembly 200 may include a set of keycaps 202 positioned within top case 102 of electronic device 100. The set of keycaps 202 may partially protrude from top case 102 and each may be substantially surrounded by top case 102. That is, the set of keycaps 202 of keyboard assembly 200 may extend beyond a surface of top case 102 and may be divided or separated by a portion of top case 102. In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 1, where electronic device 100 is a laptop computer, keyboard assembly 200 may be positioned within and/or may be received by electronic device 100. Further, keyboard assembly 200 may be a distinct, standalone component, and may be in wired or wireless electronic communication with electronic device 100.

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative exploded view of keyboard assembly 200 shown in FIG. 1. Keyboard assembly 200 may be formed from the various layers of components, also referred to as a “stack-up” of layered components. Each layer and/or component of the stack-up of keyboard assembly 200 may provide different functionality and/or operations for electronic device 100 (see, FIG. 1), as discussed herein. Although a single key stack-up of keyboard assembly 200 is shown in FIG. 2, it is understood that substantially all keys of keyboard assembly 200 may be formed from similar components and/or layers in a similar configuration and/or may function in a substantially similar manner as the single key stack-up shown in FIG. 2 and discussed herein.

Keyboard assembly 200 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 204 positioned below top case 102. PCB 204 may be positioned within electronic device 100 casing formed by top case 102 and a bottom case (not shown in FIG. 2) coupled to top case 102. PCB 204 may be coupled to and/or rest on the bottom case and provide a rigid support structure for the various components forming keyboard assembly 200. PCB 204 may include a set of electrical traces (not shown) formed therein or thereon. The traces may provide an electrical signal (e.g., input) to electronic device 100 when a keycap and/or dome switch is compressed, as discussed herein. PCB 204 may cover and/or may include a geometry substantially equal to the area of keyboard assembly 200 formed or positioned within top case 102 of electronic device 100 (see, FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 2, a light source 206 may be positioned on PCB 204. In a non-limiting example, light source 206 couples to and is in electrical communication with PCB 204, such that PCB 204 provides power to illuminate light source 206. As discussed herein, light source 206 may extend from PCB 204 through and/or into distinct layers or components of keyboard assembly 200 for providing light to illuminate keyboard assembly 200 and/or keycap 202. Light source 206 may be formed from any suitable light source configured to illuminate key assembly and/or keycap 202 of keyboard assembly 200. In a non-limiting example, light source 206 may be a light emitting diode (LED) coupled and/or affixed to PCB 204 of keyboard assembly 200.

Keyboard assembly 200 may also include a membrane layer 207. In a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 2, membrane layer 207 may be a single membrane sheet 208 that may substantially cover PCB 204, although in other embodiments the membrane layer may include multiple sheets, films, or the like. Generally, single membrane sheet 208 may have a geometry substantially similar in surface area to PCB 204, such that single membrane sheet 208 covers PCB 204 within the stack-up forming keyboard assembly 200. In a non-limiting example, membrane layer 207 or single membrane sheet 208 may be a sensing membrane that includes at least one trace or sensor positioned on single membrane sheet 208. As discussed herein, traces or sensors positioned on single membrane sheet 208 may be configured to detect or determine when keycap 202 of keyboard assembly 200 is actuated by a user, and subsequently provide an electrical signal (e.g., input) to PCB 204, and ultimately to electronic device 100. In a non-limiting example, single membrane sheet 208 may be formed from a substantially flexible, electrically conductive material including, but not limited to an indium tin oxide (no) layer.

As shown in FIG. 2, a dome switch 210 may be coupled directly to single membrane sheet 208. The dome switch 210 may be laminated, adhered, or otherwise directly affixed to membrane sheet 208. For example, a dome switch 210 may be positioned in or on ultraviolet (UV) glue deposited over single membrane sheet 208, and the UV glue may be subsequently cured to affix dome switch 210 to single membrane sheet 208.

As another example, single membrane sheet 208 and a group of dome switches 210 may be placed on a shaker table, and utilizing the motion or vibration of the shaker table, the group of dome switches may continuously move over single membrane sheet 208 until they are moved into a desired position. In another non-limiting example, a pick-and-place process may be used, where individual dome switches are placed in a desired location on the single membrane sheet 208.

Dome switch 210 may be coupled and/or affixed directly to single membrane sheet 208 to aid in the assembly and/or installation process of single membrane sheet 208 and dome switch 210 within keyboard assembly 200. By coupling dome switch 210 directly to single membrane sheet 208 prior to installing either component within keyboard assembly 200, the dome switch 210 is absolutely affixed to single membrane sheet 208 of keyboard assembly 200. Additionally, coupling dome switch 210 directly to single membrane sheet 208 prior to installation within keyboard assembly 200 simplifies placing the dome switch in a proper position, and eliminates the difficulty of attempting to install dome switch 210 within small spaces such as a switch housing of keyboard assembly 200.

Dome switch 210 may be formed from any suitable material that is substantially flexible, durable and/or elastic. In a non-limiting example, dome switch 210 may be formed from rubber or another suitable elastomer. As discussed herein, keycap 202 may be compressed by a user input, and dome switch 210 in turn may be compressed, such that a portion of dome switch 210 contacts single membrane sheet 208 to form an electrical connection and/or input within electronic device 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, single membrane sheet 208 (including dome switch 210) may be affixed or adhered directly to PCB 204. In a non-limiting example, single membrane sheet 208, having a substantially similar geometry or surface area as PCB 204, may substantially cover PCB 204 by being affixed or adhered to PCB 204 using an adhesive layer 212. As shown in FIG. 2, adhesive layer 212 may be positioned between single membrane sheet 208 to affix and/or directly couple single membrane sheet 208 to PCB 204. In the non-limiting example, single membrane sheet 208, including dome switch 210, may be affixed or adhered directly to PCB 204 using an anisotropic conductive film that is adhered and/or bonded directly to single membrane sheet 208 and PCB 204. Anisotropic conductive film may electrically couple PCB 204 to single membrane sheet 208, and/or may provide an electrical conduit or intermediate electrical layer between PCB 204 and single membrane sheet 208, such that single membrane sheet 208 and PCB 204 are in electrical communication. As discussed herein, when dome switch 210 is actuated or compressed by keycap 202, an electrical circuit may be formed between single membrane sheet 208 and PCB 204 for providing an electrical signal and/or input to electronic device 100. In another non-limiting example, a pressure sensitive adhesive may be positioned between single membrane sheet 208 and PCB 204 for adhering single membrane sheet 208 directly to PCB 204.

Keyboard assembly 200 may also include a switch housing 218. As shown in FIG. 2, switch housing 218 may be positioned above PCB 204 and may substantially surround dome switch 210. In a non-limiting example, dome switch 210, affixed or coupled directly to single membrane sheet 208, may be positioned within an opening of switch housing 218, such that switch housing 218 may substantially surround and/or substantially seal done switch 210 within keyboard assembly 200. In the non-limiting example where membrane layer 207 is formed as single membrane sheet 208, switch housing 218 may be affixed or adhered directly to single membrane sheet 208. Switch housing 218 may be affixed or adhered directly to single membrane sheet 208 using housing adhesive layer 220. Switch housing 218 may be formed from a substantially rigid material and provide support to the various components of keyboard assembly 200, as well as protecting and/or sealing dome switch 210 within keyboard assembly 200. Additionally, and as discussed herein, the material of switch housing 218 may be optically transparent to distribute and/or disperse the light emitted by light source 206 through keyboard assembly 200.

A hinge mechanism 222 (as shown in FIG. 4) of keyboard assembly 200 may substantially surround switch housing 218. As shown in FIG. 2, switch housing 218 is positioned between and/or separates dome switch 210 coupled to single membrane sheet 208 and hinge mechanism 222. Hinge mechanism 222 may be positioned above PCB 204 and may be affixed within keyboard assembly 200 by being coupled to switch housing 218 and/or PCB 204. In a non-limiting example, hinge mechanism 222 may also be coupled to keycap 202 for providing support to keycap 202. Hinge mechanism 222, as shown in FIG. 2, may take the form of any suitable hinge mechanism 222 capable of moving keycap 202 from an uncompressed state to a compressed state, including but not limited to: a butterfly or V-shaped hinge mechanism, a scissor hinge mechanism, a telescoping hinge mechanism or a sliding hinge mechanism.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, keycap 202 may protrude or extend at least partially through opening 104 formed in top case 102, and may be interacted with by a user of electronic device 100. Additionally, the various keycaps 202 of keyboard assembly 200 may be substantially surrounded and/or separated by web 106 of top case 102 of electronic device 100. As discussed herein, when a user presses keycap 202, keycap 202 and dome switch 210 of keyboard assembly 200 move from an uncompressed state to a compressed state to form an electrical connection and/or signal within electronic device 100.

FIG. 3 shows a front cross-section view of keyboard assembly 200 of FIG. 2 in an uncompressed state. Some layers or components, for example adhesive layer 212 and housing adhesive layer 220, have been omitted for clarity. As shown in FIG. 3, light source 206 formed on PCB 204 may extend from PCB 204 into an opening formed in switch housing 218. In a non-limiting example where membrane layer 207 is formed as single membrane sheet 208 (as opposed to from multiple sheets and/or films and/or adhesives), light source 206 may extend through an opening formed in single membrane sheet 208, and into the opening of switch housing 218 configured to receive light source 206. By positioning light source 206 substantially within switch housing 218, light source 206 may illuminate keycap 202 of keyboard assembly 200.

Single membrane sheet 208 of keyboard assembly 200 may also include two electrical traces or contacts 224. As shown in FIG. 3, electrical contacts 224 may be positioned below dome switch 210 and may be coupled to and/or embedded directly within single membrane sheet 208. Electrical contacts 224 of single membrane sheet 208 may be in electrical contact and/or may be in electrical communication with contacts or traces formed within and/or on PCB 204 (not shown). In a non-limiting example, when keycap 202 and/or dome switch 210 are in a compressed state, a portion of dome switch 210 may move toward single membrane sheet 208 and may contact electrical contacts 224 formed in single membrane sheet 208. When the dome switch 210 contacts the electrical contacts 224, it completes an electrical circuit between single membrane sheet 208 and PCB 204, and an electrical input or other signal is provided to electronic device 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, PCB 204 may have an aperture 226 formed therein. In a non-limiting example, aperture 226 may be formed in PCB 204, and may be centrally aligned with dome switch 210 coupled directly to single membrane sheet 208. When dome switch 210 is compressed by keycap 202 and/or in a compressed state, and contacts electrical contacts 224 to complete an electrical circuit within keyboard assembly 200, dome switch 210 may also deflect single membrane sheet 208. As a result, a portion of single membrane sheet 208 may deflect into aperture 226 of PCB 204. In allowing a portion of single membrane sheet 208 to deflect into aperture 226 of PCB 204, the tactile feel to a user compressing keycap 202 may have a less severe or sudden end point. Additionally, by allowing a portion of single membrane sheet 208 to deflect into aperture 226 of PCB 204, dome switch 210 and/or keycap 202 may have a greater distance of travel between an uncompressed and compressed state, without requiring additional height, thickness and/or z-space for keyboard assembly 200.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative exploded view of keyboard assembly 200 including distinct components, layers and/or features. The distinct components, layers and/or features are identified in detail below. However, it is understood that similarly named components or similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion, may include similar materials and/or may include similar interactions with other components. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity.

As shown in FIG. 4, PCB 204 may include conductive pads 228. In a non-limiting example, PCB 204 may include a plurality of conductive pads 228, where each conductive pad 228 corresponds to a single key assembly and/or keycap 202 of keyboard assembly 200. Additionally, and as discussed herein, conductive pad 228 may correspond to and/or may be in direct contact with individual membrane pads 230 forming membrane layer 207 of keyboard assembly 200. Conductive pads 228 may form an electrical conduit and/or may electrically couple membrane layer 207 (e.g., membrane pad 230) to PCB 204 to provide electrical input and/or signals to electronic device 100, when keycap 202 and/or dome switch 210 is compressed, as discussed herein.

In keyboard assembly 200 shown in FIG. 4, membrane layer 207 may be formed from membrane pad 230. In a non-limiting example, membrane pad 230, similar to conductive pad 228 may be specific to an individual keycap 202 of keyboard assembly 200. As such, membrane layer 207 may not be a single membrane pad, similar to that of single membrane sheet 208 of FIGS. 2 and 3, but rather, membrane layer 207 may be formed from a group of membrane pads 230, where each membrane pad 230 corresponds to an individual keycap 202 of keyboard assembly 200. Membrane pad 230 may be adhered directly to conductive pad 228 of PCB 204 in similar fashions as discussed herein with respect to single membrane sheet 208 and PCB 204 (see, FIG. 2). Although not shown in FIG. 4, it is understood that adhesive layer 212 may be positioned between membrane pad 230 and PCB 204 to affix adhere membrane pad 230 directly to conductive pads 228 of PCB 204. Additionally, dome switch 210 may be coupled directly to membrane pad 230 in similar fashions as discussed herein with respect to dome switch 210 and single membrane sheet 208 (see, FIG. 2). Portions of membrane pad 230 may be formed from a substantially flexible, electrically conductive material including, but not limited to an indium tin oxide (ITO) layer. Additionally, and as discussed herein in detail, distinct portions of membrane pad 230 that may contact conductive pad 228 may be formed from various materials having distinct physical and/or electrically conductive properties.

As shown in FIG. 4, membrane pad 230 corresponding to conductive pad 228 and a single keycap 202 of keyboard assembly 200 may be substantially surrounded by switch housing 218. In a non-limiting example, the perimeter of membrane pad 230 may not extend beyond the opening formed within switch housing 218. As such, switch housing 218 may substantially surround and seal dome switch 210 as well as membrane pad 230. Additionally, because membrane pad 230 does not extend below switch housing 218, switch housing 218 may be adhered directly to PCB 204 via housing adhesive layer 220.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict various views of dome switch 210 and membrane layer 207 formed as membrane pad 230. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and as discussed herein, dome switch 210 may be adhered directly to membrane pad 230. Dome switch 210 may be adhered directly to membrane pad 230 prior to installing dome switch 210 and membrane pad 230 within keyboard assembly 200 to improve the assembly process and/or to avoid assembly and/or functionality defects within keyboard assembly 200. That is, dome switch 210 may be adhered directly to membrane pad 230 prior to adhering membrane pad 230 directly to conductive pad 228 and/or PCB 204 to ease the assembly process and/or ensure dome switch 210 is properly aligned on membrane pad 230 before aligning and coupling membrane pad 230 to PCB 204.

FIG. 5B depicts a bottom view of dome switch 210 and membrane pad 230. In a non-limiting example, membrane pad 230 may be formed from an outer conductive ring 232, an intermediate conductive spacer 234, and an inner conductive ring 236. Each of outer conductive ring 232, intermediate conductive spacer 234 and inner conductive ring 236 may be concentric with one another, such that intermediate conductive spacer 234 is concentric with and surrounded by outer conductive ring 232, and inner conductive ring 236 is concentric with and surrounded by intermediate conductive spacer 234 and/or outer conductive ring 232.

Outer conductive ring 232 and inner conductive ring 236 may be formed from substantially similar material (e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO)) and/or may include similar physical (e.g., flexible) and electrical properties. Intermediate conductive spacer 234 may be formed from a distinct material than outer conductive ring 232 and/or inner conductive ring 236. In a non-limiting example, intermediate conductive spacer 234 may be formed from an adhesive layer having electrically conductive properties. In the non-limiting example where intermediate conductive spacer 234 is formed from an electrically conductive adhesive layer, intermediate conductive spacer 234 may aid in adhering membrane pad 230 to PCB 204 and/or conductive pad 228, as well as forming an electrical conduit and/or electrically communicating membrane pad 230 to PCB 204, as discussed herein. In another non-limiting example, intermediate conductive spacer 234 may be formed from a substantially flexible material having electrical properties. This material may be distinct from or substantially similar to the material forming outer conductive ring 232 and/or inner conductive ring 236.

Intermediate conductive spacer 234 and/or inner conductive ring 236 of membrane pad 230 may be raised above outer conductive ring 232. That is, in a non-limiting example, intermediate conductive spacer 234 and/or inner conductive ring 236 may not be in planar alignment with outer conductive ring 232 of membrane pad 230. As such, and as discussed herein, when membrane pad 230 is coupled to conductive pad 228, only inner conductive ring 236 may contact conductive pad 228, while intermediate conductive spacer 234 and/or inner conductive ring 236 are positioned above and/or spaced apart from conductive pad 228. Additionally as discussed herein, when keycap 202 and/or dome switch 210 are compressed by a user's input, intermediate conductive spacer 234 and/or inner conductive ring 236 may be deflected to contact conductive pad 228 of PCB 204 to form an electrical input or signal within electronic device 100.

FIG. 6 shows a front cross-section view of keyboard assembly 200 of FIG. 4 in an uncompressed state. As shown in FIG. 6, light source 206 formed on PCB 204 may extend from PCB 204 into an opening formed in switch housing 218. In the non-limiting example where membrane layer 207 is formed as membrane pad 230, light source 206 may extend from PCB 204 into switch housing 218. That is, and distinct from FIG. 3, membrane pad 230 does not extend beyond or below switch housing 218, and as a result, light source 206 may not pass through membrane pad 230, but rather extends directly from PCB 204 to the opening of switch housing 218 configured to receive light source 206.

As shown in FIG. 7, conductive pad 228 may include distinct conductive portions 229 a, 229 b. In a non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, conductive pad 228 may include an outer conductive portion 229 a, and an inner conductive portion 229 b surrounded by outer conductive portion 229 a. Additionally in the non-limiting example, inner conductive portion 229 b may be spaced apart from and/or may not be in contact with outer conductive portion 229 a of conductive pad 228. Outer conductive portion 229 a and inner conductive portion 229 b may be electrical contacts or traces for PCB 204 for forming an electrical input or signal within electronic device 100. As discussed herein, outer conductive portion 229 a and inner conductive portion 229 b of conductive pad 228 may contact the various portions (e.g., outer conductive ring 232, intermediate conductive spacer 234, and inner conductive ring 236) of membrane pad 230 to form an electrical input or signal within electronic device 100, when keycap 202 and/or dome switch 210 is compressed.

As shown in FIG. 7, when keycap 202 and/or dome switch 210 of keyboard assembly 200 is in an uncompressed state, a gap or space 237 may exist between membrane pad 230 and conductive pad 228. The space 237 may specifically be formed between inner conductive portion 229 b of conductive pad 228 and intermediate conductive spacer 234 and/or inner conductive ring 236 of membrane pad 230 when dome switch 210 is uncompressed. As discussed herein with respect to FIG. 5B, space 237 may exist between conductive pad 228 and portions of membrane pad 230 as a result of intermediate conductive spacer 234 and/or inner conductive ring 236 being recessed within and/or being out of planar alignment with outer conductive ring 232 of membrane pad 230. As shown in FIG. 7, outer conductive ring 232 of membrane pad 230 may be in contact with outer conductive portion 229 a of conductive pad 228 formed on PCB 204.

However, in a compressed state of keycap 202 and/or dome switch 210 of keyboard assembly 200, space 237 may be closed when a portion of dome switch 210 contacts membrane pad 230, and subsequently deflects membrane pad 230 into conductive pad 228. That is, when dome switch 210 is compressed by keycap 202, dome switch 210 may contact, deflect and/or flex membrane pad 230 toward PCB 204 to contact conductive pad 228 and/or substantially close or fill space 237 formed between membrane pad 230 and conductive pad 228. Because of the deflection of membrane pad 230, intermediate conductive spacer 234 and/or inner conductive ring 236 may contact inner conductive portion 229 b of conductive pad 228. When intermediate conductive spacer 234 and/or inner conductive ring 236 contacts inner conductive portion 229 b of conductive pad 228, the various portions of membrane pad 230 and conductive pad 228 may be in electrical contact and may complete an electrical circuit within keyboard assembly 200.

FIG. 8 depicts a top view of membrane pad 230 and conductive pad 228 (shown in phantom), and illustrates the geometric relationship of each portion of membrane pad 230 with respect to conductive pad 228. In a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 8, outer conductive ring 232 of membrane pad 230 may overlap and/or cover a portion of outer conductive portion 229 a of conductive pad 228, and inner conductive ring 236 of membrane pad 230 may overlap and/or cover a portion of inner conductive portion 229 b of conductive pad 228. Additionally in the non-limiting example, intermediate conductive spacer 234 may overlap and/or cover a portion of both outer conductive portion 229 a and inner conductive portion 229 b of conductive pad 228.

As discussed herein, when dome switch 210 is in an uncompressed state, only outer conductive ring 232 of membrane pad 230 may contact outer conductive portion 229 a of conductive pad 228. However, in a compressed state of dome switch 210, inner conductive ring 236 of membrane pad 230 may contact inner conductive portion 229 b of conductive pad 228. Additionally, when dome switch 210 is compressed, intermediate conductive spacer 234 may contact both outer conductive portion 229 a and inner conductive portion 229 b of conductive pad 228, and may bridge the electrical gap between the various portions of membrane pad 230 and conductive pad 228.

Briefly returning to FIG. 7, dome switch 210 may include a venting hole 238. Venting hole 238 may expel air from underneath dome switch 210 when dome switch 210 is compressed by keycap 202. By expelling air from the space between dome switch 210 and membrane layer 207, the air pressure under dome switch 210 may be maintained within keyboard assembly 200.

FIG. 9 depicts another non-limiting example of membrane pad 230. In the non-limiting example, membrane pad 230 may include an upper portion 240 a and a lower portion 240 b positioned opposite upper portion 240 a. As shown in FIG. 9, lower portion 240 b may be positioned directly adjacent to and/or may be directly adhered to PCB 204. Upper portion 240 a is positioned above lower portion 240 b and extends toward dome switch 210. Additionally as shown in FIG. 9, upper portion 240 a and lower portion 240 b may be sealed on a periphery or perimeter of membrane pad 230. As a result, the space formed between upper portion 240 a and lower portion 240 b, and the electrical contacts positioned therein, as discussed below, may be sealed and/or protected from contaminants.

As shown in FIG. 9, upper portion 240 a may include a first electrical contact 242, and lower portion 240 b may include two distinct electrical contacts 244. In an uncompressed state of dome switch 210, first electrical contact 242 and two distinct electrical contacts 244 may be spaced apart from each other, as shown in FIG. 9. However, when keycap 202 and/or dome switch 210 is compressed, first electrical contact 242 and/or upper portion 240 a of membrane pad 230 may move toward distinct electrical contacts 244 and/or lower portion 240 b until first electrical contact 242 contacts distinct electrical contacts 244. When first electrical contact 242 contacts distinct electrical contacts 244, an electrical circuit is completed within membrane pad 230, and consequently an electrical circuit is completed with PCB 204 that is in electrical communication with the electrical contacts 242, 244 of membrane pad 230 via contacts or traces formed on PCB 204. As similarly discussed herein, the completion of the electrical circuit between membrane pad 230 and PCB 204 provides an electrical input and/or signal to electronic device 100.

FIG. 10 depicts an example process for assembling a keyboard. Specifically, FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting one example process 1000 for assembling a keyboard for an electronic device. In some cases, the process may be used to form one of the various embodiments of the keyboard assemblies, as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2-9.

In operation 1002, a dome switch may be directly coupled to a membrane layer of the keyboard assembly. The coupling of the dome switch directly to the membrane layer may include adhering or otherwise affixing the dome switch to the membrane layer, or laminating the dome switch to the membrane layer. When the dome switch is adhered to the membrane layer, the adhering may also include depositing ultraviolet (UV) glue between the dome switch and the membrane layer, and subsequently curing the UV glue deposited between the dome switch and the membrane layer.

The membrane layer of the keyboard assembly may take the form of various embodiments, including a single membrane sheet that may substantially cover a printed circuit board (PCB) of the keyboard assembly. When the membrane layer is configured as a single membrane sheet, the dome switch may be affixed directly to the single membrane sheet. The membrane layer may also take the form of a membrane pad that may correspond to the dome switch. When the membrane layer is configured as a membrane pad, the dome switch may be affixed directly to the membrane pad.

In operation 1004, the membrane layer may be directly adhered to a PCB of the keyboard assembly. Specifically, the membrane layer, and the dome switch coupled to the membrane layer, may be adhered directly to the PCB. In a non-limiting example, the adhering of the membrane layer to the PCB may also include bonding an anisotropic conductive film between the membrane layer and the PCB, to bond the membrane layer to the PCB.

In operation 1006, a switch housing may be positioned over the PCB. Specifically, the housing may be positioned over the PCB and/or adjacent the PCB and/or the membrane layer. The housing positioned over the PCB may substantially surround the dome switch coupled directly to the membrane layer. The operation of positioning the switch housing over the PCB may also include adhering (or otherwise affixing) the housing to the PCB and/or membrane layer. Specifically, where the membrane layer is configured as a single membrane sheet, the housing may be adhered directly to the single membrane sheet. Where the membrane layer is configured as a membrane pad, the housing may be adhered directly to the PCB. The housing adhered directly to the PCB may substantially surround the membrane pad as well as the dome switch.

In operation 1008, a keycap may be coupled to a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism may be positioned adjacent to and/or may substantially surround the housing. Additionally, the keycap may be positioned above the dome switch coupled directly to the membrane layer, and the housing as well. The keycap may be releasably coupled to the hinge mechanism, which may be configured to move the keycap to compress the dome switch to form an electrical connection within the keyboard assembly.

In a keyboard assembly, a dome switch may be disposed, coupled and/or affixed directly to a membrane layer of the keyboard assembly stack-up. Additionally, the membrane layer may be adhered directly to a printed circuit board (PCB) of the keyboard assembly stack-up. When compressed, the dome switch, membrane layer and PCB may all be in electrical connection and/or may form an electrical signal (e.g., input) for the keyboard assembly and/or electronic device utilizing the keyboard assembly. In one embodiment, the membrane layer may be a single component that substantially covers and/or is disposed over the PCB layer, and the various dome switches of the keyboard assembly may be disposed, coupled and/or affixed directly to distinct portions of the single membrane layer. In another embodiment, each individual dome switch for each individual key assembly of the keyboard may be disposed, coupled and/or affixed directly to a corresponding membrane pad. The membrane pad may be adhered to a PCB layer or a corresponding conductive pad of the keyboard assembly stack-up. By affixing the dome switch directly to the membrane layer and/or the membrane pad, and affixing the membrane layer/pad to the PCB, the overall size and/or thickness of the stack-up for the keyboard assembly is reduced. Additionally, by coupling the dome switch directly to the membrane layer/pad, the dome switch may be more easily implemented, secured and/or installed in the stack-up of the keyboard assembly, which may reduce assembly time for the keyboard assembly.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. 

We claim:
 1. A keyboard assembly, comprising: a key cap configured to receive a user input; a collapsible dome positioned below the key cap and having a peripheral portion and a top portion; a membrane pad positioned below the collapsible dome and coupled to the peripheral portion, the membrane pad comprising a center conductor separated from the top portion when the dome is in an uncollapsed state; a switch housing having an opening in which the collapsible dome is positioned; a hinge mechanism surrounding the switch housing and supporting the key cap above the collapsible dome; and a printed circuit board (PCB) connected to the switch housing and the membrane pad, wherein: the user input received at the key cap causes the top portion of the dome to displace the center conductor such that the center conductor contacts the PCB.
 2. The keyboard assembly of claim 1, wherein the membrane pad is a substantially flexible material that deforms upon input from the top portion of the collapsible dome.
 3. The keyboard assembly of claim 1, wherein the membrane pad further comprises: a ring conductor positioned on the peripheral portion of the collapsible dome and electrically coupled with the center conductor and an outer contact of the PCB when the dome is in an uncollapsed state.
 4. The keyboard assembly of claim 3, wherein: the center conductor contacts an inner contact of the PCB in response to the input of the dome; and the ring and center conductors form an electrically conductive path between the outer and inner contacts of the PCB when the dome is in a collapsed state.
 5. The keyboard assembly of claim 3, wherein the membrane pad further comprises: an intermediate conductive spacer positioned between the ring conductor and the center conductor.
 6. The keyboard assembly of claim 5, wherein the intermediate conductive spacer is defined by a material that is distinct from the ring conductor and the center conductor.
 7. The keyboard assembly of claim 6, wherein the intermediate conductive spacer is electrically conductive adhesive.
 8. A keyboard assembly, comprising: a printed circuit board (PCB); an array of membrane pads coupled to the PCB, each membrane pad of the array of membrane pads having a center portion separated from the PCB; an array of deformable structures, each deformable structure of the array of deformable structures coupled to a corresponding one of the array of membrane pads opposite the PCB; and an array of key caps positioned over the array of deformable structures, wherein: each of the array of key caps is configured to displace a corresponding deformable structure such that the center portion of an associated membrane pad contacts the PCB.
 9. The keyboard assembly of claim 8, wherein the array of deformable structures is one of adhered or laminated to the corresponding one of the array of membrane pads.
 10. The keyboard assembly, of claim 8, wherein the PCB includes a pair of electrical contacts for each of the array of membrane pads.
 11. The keyboard assembly of claim 10, wherein each of the array of membrane pads includes: an inner electrode defining the center portion; an intermediate conductive spacer surrounding the inner electrodes; and an outer electrode surrounding the intermediate conductive spacer.
 12. The keyboard assembly of claim 11, wherein for each of the array of membrane pads: the outer electrode contacts a first of the pair of electrical contacts when a corresponding deformable structure of the array of deformable structures is in an undeformed state; and the inner electrode contacts a second of the pair of electrical contacts when the corresponding deformable structure is in a deformed state.
 13. The keyboard assembly of claim 12, wherein for each of the array of membrane pads: the corresponding pair of electrical contacts are electrically isolated on a surface of the PCB; and the outer electrical contact, intermediate conductive spacer, and inner electrical contact form an electrically conductive path between the pair of electrical contacts when the corresponding deformable structure is in the deformed state.
 14. The keyboard assembly of claim 8, wherein each of the array of deformable structures is a dome-shaped member.
 15. The keyboard assembly of claim 14, wherein the dome-shaped member is configured to provide a predetermined tactile response when an associated membrane pad contacts the PCB in response to a user input.
 16. A keyboard assembly, comprising: a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising inner and outer conductive contact pads and defining an aperture extending through the inner conductive contact pad; a membrane layer having a pair of concentric electrodes, a first of the pair of concentric electrodes directly adhered to the outer conductive contact pad and a second of the pair of electrodes positioned above the PCB and in substantial alignment with the aperture; a dome positioned above the membrane layer; and a keycap configured to collapse the dome in response to a user input, wherein the dome, in a collapsed state: partially extends into the aperture; and causes the second of the pair of electrodes to contact the inner conductive contact pad.
 17. The keyboard assembly of claim 16, wherein the aperture is configured to provide a predetermined tactile response to a user.
 18. The keyboard assembly of claim 16, wherein: the first of the pair of concentric electrodes has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the outer conductive contact pad; and the second of the pair of concentric electrodes has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the inner conductive contact pad.
 19. The keyboard assembly of claim 16, wherein: the pair of concentric electrodes are electrically coupled on the membrane layer; and the inner and outer conductive contact pads are electrically isolated from one another on the PCB.
 20. The keyboard assembly of claim 19, wherein: the contacting of the second of the pair of concentric electrodes completes an electrically conductive path between the inner and outer conductive contact pads using the membrane layer. 